Apply Now
[ Apply Now ]
Sonar Operator
OVERVIEW
You will be responsible for the operation of active and passive acoustic equipment, communication equipment, noise monitoring, recording and bathythermograph equipment, and acoustic range prediction systems.
WHAT THEY DO
The Sonar Operator (SONAR OP) is responsible for the operation of active and passive acoustic equipment, communication equipment, noise monitoring, recording and bathythermograph equipment, and acoustic range prediction systems. As an integral member of the Operations Team, the SONAR OP searches, detects, tracks, localizes, classifies, correlates and disseminates acoustic information.
The SONAR OP may be employed in three distinct areas of Anti-Submarine Warfare operations: surface ships, submarines, or Integrated Undersea Surveillance. One of the SONAR OPs key duties is to gather, evaluate and present oceanographic data to the Command Team. As part of the ship's intelligence gathering team, the SONAR OP also compiles and analyzes acoustic intelligence information. Specific duties of the SONAR OP include:
Operate all active and passive sonars, sonar simulators, communication equipment, bathythermograph equipment, sonobuoys and data transmission systems
Perform operator function checks on equipment by using Built-in Test Equipment, Integrated Test Equipment, and basic on-line fault diagnostic procedures
Assist in the development of command decisions by compiling and analyzing sonar and intelligence data
Gather, evaluate and identify the significant features of oceanographic data
Convert analyzed oceanographic and acoustic data into comprehensive reports
Maintain status boards, charts and watchkeeping records, as well as geographical, operational and tactical plots
The SONAR OP may be employed in three distinct areas of Anti-Submarine Warfare operations: surface ships, submarines, or Integrated Undersea Surveillance. One of the SONAR OPs key duties is to gather, evaluate and present oceanographic data to the Command Team. As part of the ship's intelligence gathering team, the SONAR OP also compiles and analyzes acoustic intelligence information. Specific duties of the SONAR OP include:
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Sonar Operators must have the ability to concentrate under trying conditions, as well as a memory for detail, sound reasoning ability, good visual and aural acuity, and good hand-eye coordination. They must also be thorough and able to function as a leader/member of a team, understand directions quickly, and improvise where necessary to achieve objectives. Given their exposure to classified service matters, personnel must be dependable and discreet.
TRAINING
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for a successful applicant is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all occupations. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces (CF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Basic Occupational Qualification Training
On completion of the BMQ, SONAR OPs attend Naval Environmental Training at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in either Esquimalt, British Columbia, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes approximately five weeks and includes:
Naval history and organization
Shipboard firefighting and damage control
Watchkeeping duties
Seamanship
The SONAR OP candidate then attends the SONAR OP course held at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Training takes approximately 25 weeks and includes the following topics:
Operation of active and passive acoustic sonars
Analysis of passive acoustic sound sources
Operation of auxiliary acoustic equipment
Physics of sound as applied to military oceanography
The first stage of training for a successful applicant is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all occupations. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces (CF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Basic Occupational Qualification Training
On completion of the BMQ, SONAR OPs attend Naval Environmental Training at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in either Esquimalt, British Columbia, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes approximately five weeks and includes:
The SONAR OP candidate then attends the SONAR OP course held at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Training takes approximately 25 weeks and includes the following topics:
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training are available for personnel who demonstrate ability and potential. Advanced training in tactical procedures, sensor and intelligence information correlation, as well as personnel management and leadership are available. Service onboard ship also provides worldwide travel opportunities.
At sea, the Senior SONAR OP is responsible for the coordination of all Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sensors and weapons. The Senior SONAR OP is responsible for training, coordinating and managing the ASW Team.
Ashore, the Senior SONAR OP could be employed in an Integrated Undersea Surveillance System where he would be responsible for the tactical employment of Acoustic Surveillance Towed Array Sensor Ships and fixed Arrays Sensors, in direct support of forces at sea and intelligence commands.
At sea, the Senior SONAR OP is responsible for the coordination of all Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sensors and weapons. The Senior SONAR OP is responsible for training, coordinating and managing the ASW Team.
Ashore, the Senior SONAR OP could be employed in an Integrated Undersea Surveillance System where he would be responsible for the tactical employment of Acoustic Surveillance Towed Array Sensor Ships and fixed Arrays Sensors, in direct support of forces at sea and intelligence commands.
SPECIALTY TRAINING
Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and potential can undertake advanced Military Occupation training through formal courses and on-the-job training as they progress in their career. Specialty training may also be available.
Advanced Training Courses
Advanced Acoustic Analyst
Sonar Control Supervisor
Under Water Warfare Director
Submarine Sonar Operator
SURTASS Target Processor
Target Data Analyzer
Operations Watch Officer
Specialty Training Courses
Submariner
Ship's Team Diver
Ship's Team Diving Supervisor
Naval Boarding Party
Leadership and management courses
Instructional Techniques
Advanced Training Courses
Specialty Training Courses
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
SONAR OPs spend approximately 60% of their career assigned to ships or submarines based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Upon completion of the Basic Occupational Qualification training, SONAR OPs are posted to their first ship. They perform their duties mainly indoors, but are required to work on the upper deck, under all climatic and sea conditions. When on duty, SONAR OPs wear headphones and must maintain intense aural and visual concentration for long periods.
As with all sea-going personnel, SONAR OPs work as a team with their fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as watchkeeper or sentry, act as a line handler for replenishment at sea, and as a ship-hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in Search and Rescue events and man-overboard emergencies. They also act as a member of the ship's emergency response team for both Home and Foreign Port security watches. As per any other crewmember, they will be required to routinely perform ship's husbandry. SONAR OPs also fight fires acting as members of a Fire Attack Team, and provide damage control should the ship encounter a breach to the hull. During Maritime Interdiction Operations, a NAV COMM may serve as a member of the Naval Boarding Party in order to inspect the cargo of suspect vessels and detain the vessel's crew during inspections, if necessary.
As with all sea-going personnel, SONAR OPs work as a team with their fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as watchkeeper or sentry, act as a line handler for replenishment at sea, and as a ship-hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in Search and Rescue events and man-overboard emergencies. They also act as a member of the ship's emergency response team for both Home and Foreign Port security watches. As per any other crewmember, they will be required to routinely perform ship's husbandry. SONAR OPs also fight fires acting as members of a Fire Attack Team, and provide damage control should the ship encounter a breach to the hull. During Maritime Interdiction Operations, a NAV COMM may serve as a member of the Naval Boarding Party in order to inspect the cargo of suspect vessels and detain the vessel's crew during inspections, if necessary.
RELATED CIVILIAN OCCUPATIONS
Although this occupation has no direct corresponding civilian job, the experience, as well as the management, leadership and instructing skills acquired through normal occupational progression are applicable to a variety of fields, and are highly regarded by civilian employers.
